“This year, you rarely find people come to Sweifieh to buy Eid gifts because these items are expensive,” he told The Jordan Times at his store.

Sweets shop workers, on the other hand, said it was business as usual for them this week, with shoppers stocking up on Eid goodies.

Azzam Al Azzam, the manager of a sweets shop, said that demand for mamoul — the date-stuffed shortbread-like cookies traditionally served during Eid Al Fitr — is always high in the week leading up to the holiday, and this year was no exception.

“In the last three days of Ramadan, people start flocking to the sweets shops to buy mamoul in preparation for the holidays,” he told The Jordan Times on Wednesday.

Ossamah Durah, one of the owners of a restaurant and sweets shop, agreed, saying he did not expect to do any less business than last year by the time the week ended.

“Last year, we sold around 400 kilogrammes of mamoul and we expect to sell a good amount this year as well,” he said on Wednesday evening.

Ahmad Joundi, who works at Shaheen Roastery in the capital, said that demand for chocolate and coffee also increases significantly in the days leading up to Eid.

“These are essential items during the holidays,” he noted.

Mamoun Yaseen, a customer, said buying sweets and good coffee for Eid was simply obligatory.

“These are a must, because when people visit us, we serve them chocolate, coffee and cookies,” he said.